'I thank you all from the bottom of my heart Edinburgh, I love this city' - Watch Joseph Malik address crowds at Black Lives Matter rally

Activists shouting ‘Black Lives Matter’ could be heard across the city as thousands showed their support for action against racism.

An Edinburgh singer gave a speech to the thousands of protesters who attended the Black Lives Matter event in Holyrood Park.

Joseph Malik thanked the crowd for attending and showing solidarity in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis in May.

He said: “Seeing all these faces here every nationality, every skin colour, every gender, every sexual orientation in one place for one purpose gives my heart joy instead of sadness.

Joseph Malik, Edinburgh musician, addresses the crowds in Holyrood Park

“This is not a Sunday picnic parade. Organise, connect with other people.”

During his speech he told activists there is power in social media when it comes to shedding a light on racism and standing up to it.

“Your camera is your ally and a weapon against racists,” he added.

“If you’re being attacked use your phone.

“I thank you all from the bottom of my heart Edinburgh, I love this city.”

Thousands descended on Holyrood Park from about midday today to join other activists in the Black Lives Matter protest.

The event was organised after demonstrations swept across America following the death of George Floyd.

The unarmed black man was killed by a US police officer on May 25.

Since his death, activists have taken to the streets chanting anti-racist slogans and standing in solidarity against racism.

Some protests have turned violent with looting and rioting taking place in many states across the US.

The Scottish Government has urged people to refrain from meeting in large gatherings, but the strength of the Black Lives Matter movement meant thousands defied such regulations and continued to protest in numbers in the streets.